Royal Blue Mersey - Everton vs Manchester City: Premier League Matchday 3It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2015-08-24T19:42:31+01:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/89545902015-08-24T19:42:31+01:002015-08-24T19:42:31+01:00Martinez Tactical Plan Aims to Defend, Not Attack
<figure>
<img alt="Roberto Martinez tried to outwit Manuel Pellegrini, but City just had too much talent to overcome." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SZn80IgLa8dtkAb-FagYauU5reM=/0x51:3420x2331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47020128/GettyImages-485024634.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Roberto Martinez tried to outwit Manuel Pellegrini, but City just had too much talent to overcome. | Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roberto Martinez entered a difficult match up against Manchester City with a few surprisingly defensive tactical moves. </p> <p>With <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City's</a> torrid form to start the season, Sunday's match at Goodison Park was always going to be a difficult one. Over the past two seasons, <span>Roberto Martinez</span> has entered matches against the Premier League's top clubs with an optimistic mindset, often to a fault. Under his command, Everton has tried to take it to the top four clubs and usually gotten burned.</p>
<p>That was not the case this time. Though Martinez used the same starting XI as last week against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a>, he made two key tactical changes aimed at limiting the chances of an offensively-stacked Manchester City side. After such a successful match last weekend, it was understandable that Martinez wanted the same players on the pitch, but changes were necessary given the quality of the opposition.</p>
<p>To get an understanding of how this played out, let's look at the starting lineups for both teams. <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rhoB3NTUTPk6ciuab-22Ytrx5-w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3995790/starting_lineups.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Obviously, City has a lot of offensive weapons. The reality is, particularly with <span>Leighton Baines</span> still out of the lineup, a team like Everton cannot hope to stop all of City's big guns for 90 minutes. So, Martinez made two changes from last week that were designed to shut down certain players while allowing others more room to operate.</p>
<p>The more obvious change from last week was the swap of the wingers. Against City, Arouna Kone started on the left and <span>Tom Cleverley</span> started on the right. It appears that Martinez made this change in an effort to minimize the effect that <span>Raheem Sterling</span> could have on the match.</p>
<p>Also, Cleverley provides more defensive cover for <span>Seamus Coleman</span> than Kone would, which is necessary as Coleman's ability to get into the attack is crucial. The Irish right-back was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton's</a> only true wide player in the starting XI, so he needed license to get forward and stretch the field. Playing Cleverley in front of him allowed a little more freedom to do so.</p>
<p>Of course, the upshot of this move was that the left side was patrolled by Brendan Galloway, then Tyias Browning, and Kone. None of those players had the speed to consistently keep up with Jesus Navas, and Kone was not particularly helpful in terms of getting back in defense.</p>
<p>Martinez surely knew that Navas would have space in which to operate, but it seems that he was content with that. WIth Baines out of the lineup, it was always going to be a struggle to keep every City attacker in check, so Martinez settled for focusing on Sterling, <span>David Silva</span>, and Sergio Aguero, allowing Navas to have chances to take the game over.</p>
<p>That part of the plan worked.</p>
<p>Navas did have his chances, but he failed to convert at every turn. If we accept that Everton was going to give up chances no matter what, then putting the best of those at the feet of Navas was a rational move that worked for much of the match.</p>
<p>Everton's other tweak was to go back to the 4-2-3-1 after spending most of the Southampton match in the 4-1-4-1. A look at the heat maps (courtesy of EvertonFC.com) of <span>Gareth Barry</span> and <span>James McCarthy</span> from the two matches makes this clear.</p>
<p><b>Barry against Southampton</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2DGOX4tgaT_EzGeMEogNZow69oI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996012/barry_heatmap_southampton.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Barry against Manchester City</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CIFwYKX-blekZwu9jBNtzWuDBm4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996014/barry_heatmap_man_city.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Against Southampton, Barry's play was tilted a little to the left, but predominantly central, with a spike directly in front of the back four. Against City, he was much more active on the left, indicating he was playing as part of a midfield pair, as well as farther up the pitch.</p>
<p><b>McCarthy against Southampton</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y87bmR4pntEHg3DG4Qwfp1y6-Jk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996026/mccarthy_heatmap_southampton.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>McCarthy against Manchester City</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L6BscfjrxPc6WD9H94swNG6sqaU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996030/mccarthy_heatmap_man_city.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>McCarthy's change in activity is the inverse of what we saw with Barry. Against Southampton, McCarthy was active all over the pitch. Against City, his activity was focused closer to his own goal and on the right, indicating he was on the right side of a holding midfield pair.</p>
<p>Martinez most likely made this change in an effort to contain David Silva, who generally has license to roam anywhere in the midfield. It would have been a tough task for Barry to contain Silva on his own if the Toffees had stayed in a 4-1-4-1, but it would have given them more options going forward. That Martinez opted for the more defensive approach indicates that he is beginning to understand what it may take to improve his record against the Premier League's top sides.</p>
<p>On Manchester City's first goal, both of these changes actually worked more or less as Martinez would have wanted them to, but they were let down by a brief lapse by Cleverley and marginal goalkeeping from <span>Tim Howard</span>, who was stellar on the day with this key exception.</p>
<p>The play started with a turnover down the right wing, with Coleman in an advanced position. The Toffees had to react quickly to cover for the right-back's foray forward.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-CjRTB3gMc1Qf6H6H_aM6MFJ15I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996074/city_goal_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span>John Stones</span> and Barry both get into the play pretty quickly, limiting Silva's options. Cleverley is a few steps behind the pacey Sterling.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/68xZNrM6-OJMKNEIzv6zb4cBb9U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996080/city_goal_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>When Silva plays forward to Sterling, there is not a ton of danger. Sterling's only option is to run directly toward the endline, both McCarthy and Barry have Silva covered, and Aguero is marked by <span>Phil Jagielka</span> and Brendan Galloway.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wRzMmSEPYtPSzqgPMgzw0lOX_Nw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996088/city_goal_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Even as Sterling begins to get to a dangerous area, Stones has him marked. Neither Silva nor Aguero are particular open.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7dnF3rDEu0Z0CRvJ2EHFJhex8pA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996132/brian_city_goal_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>When Kolarov joins the play, Cleverley has tracked back to pick him up.</p>
<p>To this point, everything has gone as Martinez would have wanted. Cleverley has provided the necessary cover for Coleman. Barry and McCarthy have joined forced to ensure Silva is not a threat. Jagielka has Aguero covered.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sutpqgftCK8NfMK7B__Dsm8jY_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996174/brian_city_goal_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>But, Cleverley loses track of Kolarov just for a moment, giving him some room along the endline. You can see in this image that Howard has already cheated to cover the cross. Kolarov spots the room at the near post, and takes a beautiful shot to beat the American keeper.</p>
<p>The issue of Cleverley momentarily losing Kolarov brings us to the problems with Martinez's plan. Defensively, Everton was prepared to take on City. Offensively, the club lacked any consistent threat. On City's first goal, Coleman was out of the play because he had been key in creating the attack the Toffees were trying to build before turning the ball over.</p>
<p>Coleman had to be part of the attack, because Everton had no other wide players in the lineup. The team's influence map (courtesy of FourFourTwo.com) makes clear exactly how narrow the Toffees were.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QTIrxmn4ZPAesaEdd1iYrYyEn4s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996200/everton_influence_map.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The widest attacking player on the team is Coleman, who also had to defend City's most dangerous winger. It just is not a sustainable attacking plan.</p>
<p>Of course, Martinez opting not to change anything in a side that won 3-0 last week was completely understandable. But, perhaps as early as the start of the second half, and definitely after City's goal, things needed to change.</p>
<p>Kone, who was stellar against Watford and Southampton, simply was not effective against City. This is, to an extent, through no fault of his own, as he's obviously playing out of position on the left. But, looking at his passes made and received indicates exactly how little influence he had on the match.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7YB_mMG0DTXvm7WsnlhTQh3zvdg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996214/kone_passes.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eoqMSJSFwtAqBK8xDmBQlRmmPf8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996216/kone_passes_receieved.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Kone's passing was accurate, but there was simply nothing incisive about it. His passes received also lack significant creation of chances. His one received pass in the box came with his back to goal and a defender tightly on him, and the buildup led to nothing in particular.</p>
<p>Everton needed a player who could stretch City's backline to come on for Kone, as City had done a good job of keeping Kone in front of them throughout his time in the match. But, with <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> and Gerard Deulofeu available, Martinez opted for a similar player in Steven Naismith. Without a player who could get in behind the backline, Everton continued to struggle.</p>
<p>On the other wing, Tom Cleverley had an important defensive role to fill, but also got on the ball more than Kone in the attack. No matter how hard he tries though, Cleverley is not going to be a winger. His struggles at crossing the ball are just one of the symptoms of this.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TfhtFOywdS-P5aF1-dmHSxWcMFY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3996260/cleverley_crossing.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Even without the corner kicks in the picture, he was still only one for six on crosses.</p>
<p>Though the Toffees were down a goal, Martinez waited 85 minutes to remove Cleverley and finally bring on a winger, Deulofeu.</p>
<p>In reality, this was always going to be a very difficult match to get a result from. Everton misses Baines dearly, still appears to not have a winger who is 100 percent healthy, and City is looking like an early title favorite. Martinez had a decent plan to keep Manchester City's attack at bay, but relied on an individual moment of brilliance from <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> or <span>Ross Barkley</span> for his team to get a goal. The moment never came, and the team was shut out as a result.</p>
<p>We didn't learn much from this match that we did not already know. Everton is definitely a level below the Premier League's top clubs. The club is in desperate need of another winger. Martinez still appears unsure of exactly what his team's best lineup against top teams is.</p>
<p>With matches against Tottenham, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city">Swansea City</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> all on the agenda, the team needs to figure out how to handle quality opposition (and get healthy) quickly.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/24/9197897/everton-manchester-city-tactical-analysis-roberto-martinez-manuel-pellegrini-defense-offenseAdam.Braun2015-08-24T09:38:10+01:002015-08-24T09:38:10+01:00Everton Defeated by Man City: Three Thoughts
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MEAwfCGe0bpSdkViw0RhGDvD_Gk=/0x134:4876x3385/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47015632/GettyImages-485003228.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everton failed to build on a solid win against Southampton and were defeated handily by league leaders Manchester City</p> <h3>Get Well Soon <span>Leighton Baines</span>
</h3>
<p>Everton struggled mightily to get quality chances on goal during the run of play. They were often resigned to playing the ball out wide and pumping crosses into the box in hopes of finding Romelu Lukaku. However, when playing a center back combination that consists of <span>Vincent Kompany</span> and Equilium Mangala, those headers can be hard to come by. The Toffees best opportunities came in the form of free kicks at the edge of the box just before the end of the first half. The first free kick was poorly taken by <span>Ross Barkley</span> and the second, taken by Lukaku, missed by just a few inches. When opportunities like these present themselves, it makes one wonder how they would've gone had Leighton Baines been in the line-up. Baines' skill in taking set-pieces was sorely missed today and could've possibly changed the tide against a difficult opponent.</p>
<h3>Tim Howard With a Moment He'll Want Back</h3>
<p>Tim Howard's performances last season left a lot to be desired. After his back-up <span>Joel Robles</span> put in some solid starts it seemed the American's days as the starter were numbered. This season he has looked significantly more solid and has largely been able to make the saves that are expected of him. He was excellent for large stretches against <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a>, making key saves against Sergio Aguero and Jesus Navas, but his positioning on Aleksandar Kolarov's goal left many scratching their heads. The Man City left back found himself in a position that should have been nearly impossible to score from, but Howard, expecting a cross, found himself poorly positioned to deal with the shot. This goal seemed to take the air out of <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton's</a> sails and likely cost the Toffees a shot at some points.</p>
<h3>
<span>Roberto Martinez's</span> Questionable Subs</h3>
<p>With Everton down 1-0 and in need of a spark off the bench, Roberto Martinez opted to go with <span>Steven Naismith</span> to replace Arouna Kone. Naismith is a wonderful player with a great work rate and a knack for scoring late in games however it seemed Everton needed creativity and pace more than anything. Everton's preferred game plan was not troubling the Man City defense and instead of bringing on a player with pace and creativity, like <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> or Gerard Deulofeu, Martinez made a conservative choice in Naismith. When Deulofeu was finally subbed on there was less than 10 minutes left in the game and left little time for the Spaniard to make much of a difference. Playing Cleverley and Kone on the wing has come more out of necessity than preference so far, but Everton have again lacked width and failed to bring on players that could provide that in a timely fashion.</p>
<p>Do you agree with this week's thoughts? Have any of your own? Comment below.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/24/9194857/everton-vs-manchester-city-three-thoughts-august-2015mralbaugh2015-08-23T19:22:45+01:002015-08-23T19:22:45+01:00Director Jon Woods says Stones not being sold<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/SOS1878/status/635510167191355392">Director Jon Woods says Stones not being&nbsp;sold</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>After the game at Goodison Park today, non-executive director Jon Woods was asked about John Stones and he said:
<br />"I'm not selling him. Bill's not selling him.. just a few days to go."
<br />How definitive is that then Blues?</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9194291/director-jon-woods-says-stones-not-being-soldCalvin2015-08-23T19:04:00+01:002015-08-23T19:04:00+01:00Roberto's post-match quotes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0wcDxn9kUJNC5XtUZbseK2sErV0=/0x37:3000x2037/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014546/GettyImages-485014642.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Post match quotes from the manager</p> <p>Snippets from Roberto Martinez's press conference after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> lost at Goodison Park 2-0 to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>On Brendan Galloway's injury -</p>
<p>"Brendan has been terrific and we as a football club are ready to give young players an opportunity,"<br> "He picked up a patella tendon problem that we’ll assess in the next 24 to 48 hours. It’s probably more to do with his age and the fact he’s still growing rather than a structural injury.<br> "<span>Bryan Oviedo</span> is fully fit and needs a bit of match fitness now. Hopefully we’ll see him on the pitch very soon."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On the presence of River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori at the stadium today with an Everton scarf -</p>
<p>"It's not done. He's here, we have to meet over the next 24 hours and see if we can conclude a deal with his club."</p>
<p>The gist of which is that he expects three more signings, one of which would be Mori once his work permit was sorted out. He wouldn't respond to any questions about Ukrainian forward Andriy Yarmolenko though.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On further <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer news</a> -</p>
<p>"I expect a couple of signings in the next few days."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On John Stones staying at Everton -</p>
<p>"It puts a smile on your face to see him play, He's an incredible footballer, at such a young age. He was outstanding."<br>"We have our own aims, our own objectives. He's part of our future."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On City scoring the first goal -</p>
<p>"I think the first goal seemed to be too important today," he explained. "We always knew it was going to be an important one playing against a quality side, but I think it affected us a little bit too much.</p>
<p>"I thought up to that goal, especially in the first half, we probably had the best moments in the game. We defended really well, we frustrated Man City and I thought we carried a real threat - but we didn't have our normal composure or the know-how that we usually carry.</p>
<p>"I thought the game was going in our favour. Then, in the second half, the goal is a really bad moment for us. It comes from us being very sloppy on the ball and us giving them a counter-attack, which ended up in the back of our net and that gave them a real sense of control.</p>
<p>"The crowd were fantastic and got us back into the game, but we didn't have that bit of luck in front of goal that you need to score in certain moments. I think we probably missed that today, we weren't clinical enough."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On the game overall -</p>
<p>"In terms of effort and the way in which we had a proper face-to-face confrontation with a team, who, in my eyes, are the best in the league at the moment is pleasing and we can take a lot of positives from that," he continued.</p>
<p><span>"Man City have outstanding players, but so do we. I think we showed that we are young and we have more potential [to fulfil] - but we need to use games like today to learn hard lessons and develop that potential that we have in the squad."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>On Tim Howard's performance -</p>
<p>"Tim overall was special. Unfair to say that he was (at fault for Kolarov goal),"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Check back here as the day goes on and we update the quotes as we get them.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9194147/first-goal-key-everton-lose-to-manchester-city-postmatch-quotesCalvin2015-08-23T18:26:10+01:002015-08-23T18:26:10+01:00It was curtains for Everton once City scored
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YJcU1TCZ4ipU6sOKYk2bC92ooWo=/0x75:3000x2075/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014492/GettyImages-485009014.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Wasn't really close after visitors went ahead</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> lost 2-0 at home against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> in the third round of games in the Premier League. We'll have our usual post-match comments, tactical analysis, and match report posts up later, but here are some quick thoughts from the game today.</p>
<p>The Blues had the chance to go top of the table in the Premier League today, probably the first time since the First Division was renamed? They bottled it though, playing in awe of their more-illustrious opponents.</p>
<p>The game could have been over in the first half hour. City looked incisive with their quick one-two passes. Howard was stellar in repelling the visitors even as the defence was in shambles at times.</p>
<p><span>Roberto Martinez</span> had switched up <span>Tom Cleverley</span> and Arouna Kone for long periods today. Didn't really help though as Jesus Navas had Brendan Galloway's number all half long.</p>
<p>Poor Galloway, he had a hard time keeping up with Navas today, though he didn't have too much help either. His knee injury just before half time looked bad. Who plays left back for Everton now?</p>
<p><span>Romelu Lukaku</span> played again with his back to goal, and resulted in long periods of absolute irrelevance on the pitch. He was always second to the ball to just about anything hoofed at him.</p>
<p>When the Blues did play their counter-attacking game like last weekend they looked sharp. They had their chances towards the end of the first half, and would end up regretting not getting one in goal.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, Lukaku did get the ball in the goal, but was called marginally offside. 50/50 that one. It was ironic that the assistant referee who raised his flag was the same official who looked like he had forgotten his eyesight at home during <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> game last weekend.</p>
<p>The big topic of the day for the Blues will be how poor <span>James McCarthy</span> looked today. He was out of sorts most of the game, letting <span>David Silva</span> and Yaya Toure stride forward with impunity. His miscommunication with <span>Tim Howard</span> led to the second goal that broke the home side's back.</p>
<p>Now that we've mentioned Howard, let's talk about him too. For most of the game he was authoritative, claiming the ball, making saves, commanding his box. The he had one blip, letting <span>Aleksandar Kolarov</span> beat him at the near post from a nothing angle. He quickly redeemed himself by taking a shot in the face, before falling asleep as sub <span>Samir Nasri</span> strolled through the box and chipped him nonchalantly. We're all to used to this bipolar goalkeeping from Howard unfortunately.</p>
<p><span>Steven Naismith</span> on for Kone is an odd substitution to make. If the Blues were up 1-0 at home at the time, then it's the right move. But behind, against a City side that had dominated the second half, yet looked uncomfortable when Everton ran at them, it was a no-brainer that one of <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> or Gerard Deulofeu should have come on after the first goal.</p>
<p>For long parts of the game, Roberto looked to have it right, and Everton were very much in it. The failure to play the deep ball and lack of width ultimately doomed the Toffees.</p>
<p>David Silva. Wow. Wouldn't it be great to have a player who roams free and controls the game with a flick of the boot like he does? Silva deserved a goal for his performance today, and only the upright denied him.</p>
<p>Encouraging though that we went toe-to-toe against a dominant City side who have yet to concede a goal in three games and have been quite imperious at times.</p>
<p>Another positive was how well <span>Seamus Coleman</span> and Tom Cleverley played together on the right. Coleman looks like he is back to the form from two season ago, both defending and attacking.</p>
<p>What else did you notice? Who would be your pick for Everton Man of the Match?</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9194047/everton-manchester-city-2-0-goodison-premier-league-reportCalvin2015-08-23T15:26:54+01:002015-08-23T15:26:54+01:00Protests outside Goodison Park today<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/AllezAllezEFC/status/635444850029133824">Protests outside Goodison Park&nbsp;today</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>The 'Kenwright Out' brigade is present in full force today outside Goodison Park.</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9193665/protests-outside-goodison-park-todayCalvin2015-08-23T15:18:50+01:002015-08-23T15:18:50+01:00Martinez names unchanged starting XI<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Everton/status/635451504355377152">Martinez names unchanged starting&nbsp;XI</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Everton will start with the same starting lineup for Manchester City as they did last weekend against Southampton.</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9193641/martinez-names-unchanged-starting-xiCalvin2015-08-23T14:56:50+01:002015-08-23T14:56:50+01:00John Stones arrives at Goodison Park<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/born1878/status/635430812025004033">John Stones arrives at Goodison&nbsp;Park</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Lad looks quite well-relaxed and not in the least 'unsettled' by Chelsea's harassment doesn't he?</p></p></div>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9193587/john-stones-arrives-at-goodison-parkCalvin